Chanhassen, Minn. – IWCO Direct, a leading provider of data-driven direct marketing solutions, welcomes John Ashe as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jim Andersen. Steel Connect, Inc. (NASDAQ: STCN) announced the appointment of Ashe earlier today.

Ashe joins IWCO Direct from Lucas-Milhaupt, a global manufacturer of metal-joining products and associated fabrication services, and a business unit of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (NYSE: SPLP), where he was President and Chief Executive Officer since 2018. He was previously Senior Vice President and General Manager at OMG, Inc, a business unit of Steel Partners, which is a global supplier of specialty fasteners and products for commercial and residential construction applications. Ashe was with OMG from 1992 to 2018.

Ashe will report directly to Warren Lichtenstein, Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Steel Connect, Inc.

“John has a demonstrated track record of leadership and building value for all stakeholders. John has the ability to forge client relationships and lead with innovation. He is an empathetic leader who has passion and perseverance, and he is the right person to take over the leadership of IWCO Direct,” Lichtenstein said in the Steel Connect announcement. He is a great example of our SteelGrow program, which provides tools and resources to retain and reward our team and demonstrates our commitment to recruit and promote from within the Steel family of companies.”

“I am honored to lead IWCO Direct as CEO,” said Ashe. “I look forward to working with our exceptional leadership team, employees, and clients as we continue to advance our data-driven direct marketing solutions. Jim Andersen offered inspirational leadership, mentorship and friendship to so many during his remarkable career at IWCO Direct. I am well aware that I have big shoes to fill.”